I have tried meatballs made from beef and pork separately and together and the result is that the best meatballs are made from a combination of the two. Together, you get a rich in depth flavour from both types of meat. On the other hand, mince beef and other red meats are often frowned upon due to their effect on health and so recently we have started eating more pork as it is healthier and lower in fat.
This pork meatball recipe combines everything that I love about meatballs and can work with Italian dishes or eaten on their own with rice and salad for a nutritious tasty meal. Pork and fennel go very well together and with homemade breadcrumbs the texture is improved, the Italian seasoning which is made from oregano, basil and parsley adds a tasty herby element and the mustard gives them a subtle spice that complete meatballs.
Ingredients
- Pork mince (500g)
- Breadcrumbs (50g)
- Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp)
- Mustard (1/2 tsp)
- Fennel seeds (1/2 tsp)
- Salt & black pepper
Method
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl then roll into meatballs. Shallow fry in batches if needed in groundnut oil. Then place them in the oven on a tray and cook until cooked all the way through. Alternatively if you love your meatballs juicy, I recommend putting them in a saucepan, cover with boiling water from the kettle and cook until cooked through add your favourite tomato sauce for the perfect spaghetti and meatball.
Pork meatballs: Frequently asked questions
How are meatballs made in different countries?
Each country will make meatballs differently, for example, in china ingredients like soy sauce, honey and oyster sauce are added to the ground meat. In Italy they might make their meatballs with a mix of minced pork and beef and will flavour with olive oil and oregano.
Pork meatballs vs beef meatballs?
The tastiest meatball is made from a combination of pork and beef but in terms of nutrition, beef meatballs have higher calories and saturated fat in comparison to pork meatballs. Beef also contains twice the amount of iron but pork has more than 30 times more vitamin B1.
How to make healthier meat balls?
Opt for a low fat mince meat, buy a smaller pack and add more breadcrumbs and vegetables into the meatballs instead lots of meat, doing this alone will make them healthier. When cooking drain the excess fat from the meatballs to make them healthier, use less salt, and cook the meatballs with olive oil.
What to serve meat balls with?
Meatballs can be served with pasta and tomato sauce, with rice and vegetables or even some chips and salad. You can serve them with anything you like as your main source of protein as part of a balanced diet.
How to make meatballs stick together while cooking?
Using bread crumbs and egg will help make the mixture stick together but if you have a problem with the meatballs falling apart, you can use a little bit of flour as it can help bind the meat.
